Dog who swallowed seven corncobs recovering after surgery

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – An 8-year-old boxer is recovering at BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospital in Virginia Beach after undergoing emergency surgery Tuesday evening to remove a corncob from her intestine.

The cob was one of seven corncob halves the hungry pup ate after getting into the trash over the weekend. She vomited up six of the cobs, but one remained lodged in her belly.

“Surgery went very well,” said Dr. Beth Tynan, a board-certified critical care specialist who is overseeing Roxie’s care. “We’ll be watching her closely for the next 24 hours just to make sure she continues to be okay, but she should be able to go home soon.”

An X-ray showing the corncob (BluePearl Veterinary Partners photo)

Roxie’s owner, Dakota Hudson, rushed her to BluePearl Tuesday because she was sluggish and refused to eat. As a specialty and emergency hospital, BluePearl has the advanced equipment and expert veterinarians necessary to handle complex cases such as Roxie’s.

After examining the X-ray, doctors quickly realized surgery would be necessary if Roxie were to survive. But the estimated cost – about $5,000 – was more than Hudson could afford.

“I started bawling,” Hudson said. “I thought this was the end. Roxie is my first actual pet, and just thinking about losing her is completely heartbreaking.”

That’s when national pet charity Frankie’s Friends stepped in to help raise funds on Roxie’s behalf. The non-profit organization provides financial assistance to families with pets who need lifesaving care.

As of Wednesday morning, the group had raised more than $4,500, but is continuing to ask for the public’s help to raise money for Roxie’s follow-up care and to help other pets in the Virginia Beach area. Those who would like to contribute are encouraged to click here.

“We just fell in love with Roxie’s sweet face the moment we saw her,” said Danielle Martin, Executive Director of Frankie’s Friends. “Cases such as these are the reason our group exists. We’re so happy we’re able to help Roxie and ensure she has many more years with her loving family.”

Hudson got Roxie when she was only seven weeks old and said she is a friendly and protective dog.

“She’s the kind of dog that if you’re upset, she knows it,” Hudson said. “She’s a member of my family. I don’t know what I would do without her.”